The academic had been introduced for recognition by Iran’s cultural attaché in Japan and the Imam Reza (PBUH) International Foundation for Culture and Arts.
Praising Sugiyama’s efforts, Iranian Cultural Attaché Hossein Divsalar said, “Japanese Iranologists and Islamologists play a unique role in promoting knowledge among the two great nations of Iran and Japan.”
Sugiyama said, “I’m so honored to receive this award from Iran and the foundation, which motivates me to do even more research on Imam Reza (PBUH) and Mashhad.”
The Japanese academic added, “I worked as a visiting researcher in Iran between 2004 and 2006. I’ve been traveling to Iran and Mashhad, precisely, for the past 20 years, and have been privileged to use the library of Astan Quds Razavi for my studies.”
Sugiyama hailed the Mashhad-based foundation’s efforts in creating job opportunities, providing services to foreign and domestic pilgrims, as well as engaging in charitable and nonprofit activities.
Source: Iran Daily